1
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Rahman T, Kibble MJ, Harbert G, Smith N, Brewer E, Schaer TP, Newell N. Comparison of four in vitro test methods to assess nucleus pulposus replacement device expulsion risk. JOR Spine 2024; 7:e1332. [PMID: 38655007 PMCID: PMC11037461 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleus replacement devices (NRDs) are not routinely used in clinic, predominantly due to the risk of device expulsion. Rigorous in vitro testing may enable failure mechanisms to be identified prior to clinical trials; however, current testing standards do not specify a particular expulsion test. Multiple methods have therefore been developed, complicating comparisons between NRD designs. Thus, this study assessed the effectiveness of four previously reported expulsion testing protocols; hula-hoop (Protocol 1), adapted hula-hoop (Protocol 2), eccentric cycling (Protocol 3), and ramp to failure (Protocol 4), applied to two NRDs, one preformed and one in situ curing. Methods Nucleus material was removed from 40 bovine tail intervertebral disks. A NRD was inserted posteriorly into each cavity and the disks were subjected to one of four expulsion protocols. Results NRD response was dependent on both the NRD design and the loading protocol. Protocol 1 resulted in higher migration and earlier failure rates compared to Protocol 2 in both NRDs. The preformed NRD was more likely to migrate when protocols incorporated rotation. The NRDs had equal migration (60%) and expulsion (60%) rates when using unilateral bending and ramp testing. Combining the results of multiple tests revealed complimentary information regarding the NRD response. Conclusions Adapted hula-hoop (Protocol 2) and ramp to failure (Protocol 4), combined with fluoroscopic analysis, revealed complimentary insights regarding migration and failure risk. Therefore, when adopting the surgical approach and animal model used in this study, it is recommended that NRD performance be assessed using both a cyclic and ramp loading protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Rahman
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Biomechanics Group, Department of Mechanical EngineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Nigel Smith
- Division of Surgery and Interventional ScienceUniversity College LondonStanmoreUK
| | - Erik Brewer
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRowan UniversityGlassboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - Thomas P. Schaer
- Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton CenterUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicineKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nicolas Newell
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
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2
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Kumar R, Parashar A. Atomistic simulations of pristine and nanoparticle reinforced hydrogels: A review. WIRES COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Raju Kumar
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Uttarakhand India
| | - Avinash Parashar
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Uttarakhand India
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3
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Zoetebier B, Schmitz T, Ito K, Karperien M, Tryfonidou MA, Paez J. Injectable hydrogels for articular cartilage and nucleus pulposus repair: Status quo and prospects. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:478-499. [PMID: 35232245 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic low back pain due to degenerative (intervertebral) disc disease (DDD) are two of the major causes of disabilities worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people and leading to a high socioeconomic burden. Although OA occurs in synovial joints and DDD occurs in cartilaginous joints, the similarities are striking, with both joints showing commonalities in the nature of the tissues and in the degenerative processes during disease. Consequently, repair strategies for articular cartilage (AC) and nucleus pulposus (NP), the core of the intervertebral disc, in the context of OA and DDD share common aspects. One of such tissue engineering approaches is the use of injectable hydrogels for AC and NP repair. In this review, the state-of-the-art and recent developments in injectable hydrogels for repairing, restoring, and regenerating AC tissue suffering from OA and NP tissue in DDD are summarized focusing on cell-free approaches. The various biomaterial strategies exploited for repair of both tissues are compared, and the synergies that could be gained by translating experiences from one tissue to the other are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Zoetebier
- University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology, 207105, Developmental BioEngineering , Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, Netherlands, 7500 AE;
| | - Tara Schmitz
- Eindhoven University of Technology, 3169, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands;
| | - Keita Ito
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, P.O. Box 513, GEMZ 4.115, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 5600 MB;
| | | | - Marianna A Tryfonidou
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht, Netherlands, 3584 CM;
| | - Julieta Paez
- University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology, 207105, Developmental Bioengineering, University of Twente P.O. Box 217, Enschede The Netherlands, Enschede, Netherlands, 7500 AE;
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4
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Feng Q, Li D, Li Q, Cao X, Dong H. Microgel assembly: Fabrication, characteristics and application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:105-119. [PMID: 34820559 PMCID: PMC8586262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgel assembly, a macroscopic aggregate formed by bottom-up assembly of microgels, is now emerging as prospective biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). This mini-review first summarizes the fabrication strategies available for microgel assembly, including chemical reaction, physical reaction, cell-cell interaction and external driving force, then highlights its unique characteristics, such as microporosity, injectability and heterogeneity, and finally itemizes its applications in the fields of cell culture, tissue regeneration and biofabrication, especially 3D printing. The problems to be addressed for further applications of microgel assembly are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingguo Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingtao Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Culbert MP, Warren JP, Dixon AR, Fermor HL, Beales PA, Wilcox RK. Evaluation of injectable nucleus augmentation materials for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Biomater Sci 2021; 10:874-891. [PMID: 34951410 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01589c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Back pain affects a person's health and mobility as well as being associated with large health and social costs. Lower back pain is frequently caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Current operative and non-operative treatments are often ineffective and expensive. Nucleus augmentation is designed to be a minimally invasive method of restoring the disc to its native healthy state by restoring the disc height, and mechanical and/or biological properties. The majority of the candidate materials for nucleus augmentation are injectable hydrogels. In this review, we examine the materials that are currently under investigation for nucleus augmentation, and compare their ability to meet the design requirements for this application. Specifically, the delivery of the material into the disc, the mechanical properties of the material and the biological compatibility are examined. Recommendations for future testing are also made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Culbert
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT.
| | - James P Warren
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT.
| | - Andrew R Dixon
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT.
| | - Hazel L Fermor
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT.
| | - Paul A Beales
- School of Chemistry, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT
| | - Ruth K Wilcox
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, LS2 9JT.
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6
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Wang J, Xu W, Qian J, Wang Y, Hou G, Suo A. Photo-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a biomimic extracellular matrix to recapitulate in vivo features of breast cancer cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 209:112159. [PMID: 34687973 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
2D cell culture is widely utilized to develop anti-cancer drugs and to explore the mechanisms of cancer tumorigenesis and development. However, the findings obtained from 2D culture often fail to provide guidance for clinical tumor treatments since it cannot precisely replicate the features of real tumors. 3D tumor models capable of recapitulating native tumor microenvironments have been proved to be a promising alternative technique. Herein, we constructed a breast tumor model from novel hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel which was prepared through photocrosslinking of methacrylated HA. The hydrogel was used as a biomimetic extracellular matrix to incubate MCF-7 cells. It was found that methacrylation degree had great effects on hydrogel's microstructure, mechanical performances, and liquid-absorbing and degradation abilities. Optimized hydrogel exhibited highly porous morphology, high equilibrium swelling ratio, suitable mechanical properties, and hyaluronidase-responsive degradation behavior. The results demonstrated that the HA hydrogel facilitated MCF-7 cell proliferation and growth in an aggregation manner. Furthermore, 3D-cultured MCF-7 cells not only up-regulated the expression of VEGF, bFGF and interleukin-8 but exhibited greater invasion and tumorigenesis capabilities compared with 2D-cultured cells. Therefore, the HA hydrogel is a reliable substitute for tumor model construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; Northwest Institute for Non-ferrous Metal Research, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - Weijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Junmin Qian
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Yaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Guanghui Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Aili Suo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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7
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Dixon AR, Warren JP, Culbert MP, Mengoni M, Wilcox RK. Review of in vitro mechanical testing for intervertebral disc injectable biomaterials. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 123:104703. [PMID: 34365096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Many early stage interventions for intervertebral disc degeneration are under development involving injection of a biomaterial into the affected tissue. Due to the complex mechanical behaviour of the intervertebral disc, there are challenges in comprehensively evaluating the performance of these injectable biomaterials in vitro. The aim of this review was to examine the different methods that have been developed to mechanically test injectable intervertebral disc biomaterials in an in vitro disc model. Testing methods were examined with emphasis on overall protocol, artificial degeneration method, mechanical testing regimes and injection delivery. Specifically, the effects of these factors on the evaluation of different aspects of device performance was assessed. Broad testing protocols varied between studies and enabled evaluation of different aspects of an injectable treatment. Studies employed artificial degeneration methodologies which were either on a macro scale through mechanical means or on a microscale with biochemical means. Mechanical loading regimes differed greatly across studies, with load being either held constant, ramped to failure, or applied cyclically, with large variability on all loading parameters. Evaluation of the risk of herniation was possible by utilising ramped loading, whereas cyclic loading enabled the examination of the restoration of mechanical behaviour for initial screening of biomaterials and surgical technique optimisation studies. However, there are large variations in the duration or tests, and further work is needed to define an appropriate number of cycles to standardise this type of testing. Biomaterial delivery was controlled by set volume or haptic feedback, and future investigations should generate evidence applying physiological loading during injection and normalisation of injection parameters based on disc size. Based on the reviewed articles and considering clinical risks, a series of recommendations have been made for future intervertebral disc mechanical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Dixon
- University of Leeds, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
| | - J P Warren
- University of Leeds, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - M P Culbert
- University of Leeds, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - M Mengoni
- University of Leeds, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - R K Wilcox
- University of Leeds, Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
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8
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Oevreeide IH, Szydlak R, Luty M, Ahmed H, Prot V, Skallerud BH, Zemła J, Lekka M, Stokke BT. On the Determination of Mechanical Properties of Aqueous Microgels-Towards High-Throughput Characterization. Gels 2021; 7:64. [PMID: 34072792 PMCID: PMC8261632 DOI: 10.3390/gels7020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aqueous microgels are distinct entities of soft matter with mechanical signatures that can be different from their macroscopic counterparts due to confinement effects in the preparation, inherently made to consist of more than one domain (Janus particles) or further processing by coating and change in the extent of crosslinking of the core. Motivated by the importance of the mechanical properties of such microgels from a fundamental point, but also related to numerous applications, we provide a perspective on the experimental strategies currently available and emerging tools being explored. Albeit all techniques in principle exploit enforcing stress and observing strain, the realization differs from directly, as, e.g., by atomic force microscope, to less evident in a fluid field combined with imaging by a high-speed camera in high-throughput strategies. Moreover, the accompanying analysis strategies also reflect such differences, and the level of detail that would be preferred for a comprehensive understanding of the microgel mechanical properties are not always implemented. Overall, the perspective is that current technologies have the capacity to provide detailed, nanoscopic mechanical characterization of microgels over an extended size range, to the high-throughput approaches providing distributions over the mechanical signatures, a feature not readily accessible by atomic force microscopy and micropipette aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Haga Oevreeide
- Biophysics and Medical Technology, Department of Physics, NTNU The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; (I.H.O.); (H.A.)
| | - Renata Szydlak
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (R.S.); (M.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Marcin Luty
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (R.S.); (M.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Husnain Ahmed
- Biophysics and Medical Technology, Department of Physics, NTNU The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; (I.H.O.); (H.A.)
| | - Victorien Prot
- Biomechanics, Department of Structural Engineering, NTNU The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; (V.P.); (B.H.S.)
| | - Bjørn Helge Skallerud
- Biomechanics, Department of Structural Engineering, NTNU The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; (V.P.); (B.H.S.)
| | - Joanna Zemła
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (R.S.); (M.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (R.S.); (M.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Bjørn Torger Stokke
- Biophysics and Medical Technology, Department of Physics, NTNU The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; (I.H.O.); (H.A.)
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9
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Chu W, Nie M, Ke X, Luo J, Li J. Recent Advances in Injectable Dual Crosslinking Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100109. [PMID: 33908175 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels hold great promise to improve therapeutic efficacy in minimally invasive surgery. Compared with prefabricated hydrogels, injectable hydrogels can be implanted more accurately into deeply enclosed sites and repair irregularly shaped lesions, showing great applicable potential. Here, the current fabrication considerations of injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels are reviewed. Besides, the progress of the hydrogels used in corresponding applications and emerging challenges are discussed, with detailed emphasis in the fields of bone and cartilage regeneration, wound dressings, sensors and other less mentioned applications for their more hopeful employments in clinic. It is envisioned that the further development of the injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels will catalyze their innovation and transformation in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Chu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Mingxi Nie
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiang Ke
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jun Luo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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10
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Liu J, Wang D, Li Y, Zhou Z, Zhang D, Li J, Chu H. Overall Structure Construction of an Intervertebral Disk Based on Highly Anisotropic Wood Hydrogel Composite Materials with Mechanical Matching and Buckling Buffering. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:15709-15719. [PMID: 33755430 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural intervertebral disks (IVDs) exhibit distinctive anisotropic mechanical support and dissipation performances due to their well-developed special microstructures. As the intact IVD structure degrades, the absence of function will lead to severe backache. However, the complete simulation for the characteristic structure and function of native IVD is unattainable using current methods. In this work, by overall construction of the two-phase structure of native IVD (extraction of the naturally aligned cellulose framework and in situ polymerization of the nanocomposite hydrogel), a complete wood framework IVD (WF-IVD) is manufactured containing elastic nanocomposite hydrogel-based nucleus pulposus (NP) and anisotropic wood cellulose hydrogel-based annulus fibrosus (AF). In addition to the imitation and construction of the natural structure, WF-IVD also achieves favorable mechanical matching and good biocompatibility and possesses unique mechanical buckling buffer characteristics owing to the aligned fiber bundles. This study offers a promising strategy for the mimicking and construction of complex native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Dingqian Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ziqi Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Dongyue Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hetao Chu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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11
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Shanks HR, Wu S, Nguyen NT, Lu D, Saunders BR. Including fluorescent nanoparticle probes within injectable gels for remote strain measurements and discrimination between compression and tension. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:1048-1055. [PMID: 33289763 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01635g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to remotely and non-invasively monitor and measure the strain within injectable gels used to augment soft tissue is highly desirable. Such information could enable real-time monitoring of gel performance and bespoke gel design. We report progress towards this goal using two fluorescent particle probe systems included within two different injectable gels. The two injectable gels have been previously studied in the contexts of intervertebral disc repair and stretchable gels for cartilage repair. The two fluorophore particle probes are blue or near-infrared (NIR) emitting and are present at very low concentrations. The normalised photoluminescence (PL) intensity from the blue emitting probe is shown to equal the compressive deformation ratio of the gels. Furthermore, the normalised ratio of the PL intensities for the blue and NIR probes varies linearly with deformation ratio over a wide range (from 0.2 to 3.0) with a seamless transition from compression to tension. Hence, PL can discriminate between compression and tension. The new approach established here should apply to other gels and enable remote detection of whether a gel is being compressed or stretched as well as the extent. This study may provide an important step towards remotely and minimally invasively measuring the strain experienced by load-supporting gels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Shanks
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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12
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Lu D, Zhu M, Jin J, Saunders BR. Triply-responsive OEG-based microgels and hydrogels: regulation of swelling ratio, volume phase transition temperatures and mechanical properties. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py00695a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Facile methods to coordinate swelling ratio, volume-phase transition temperatures and mechanical properties for pH-, thermal-, and cationic-responsive microgels and hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Lu
- Department of Materials
- University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Mingning Zhu
- Department of Materials
- University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Materials
- University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
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13
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Zhu M, Lu D, Lian Q, Wu S, Wang W, Lyon LA, Wang W, Bártolo P, Dickinson M, Saunders BR. Highly swelling pH-responsive microgels for dual mode near infra-red fluorescence reporting and imaging. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:4261-4271. [PMID: 36132786 PMCID: PMC9419105 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00581a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Near infra-red (NIR) fluorescence is a desirable property for probe particles because such deeply penetrating light enables remote reporting of the local environment in complex surroundings and imaging. Here, two NIR non-radiative energy transfer (NRET) fluorophores (Cy5 and Cy5.5) are coupled to preformed pH-responsive poly(ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid-divinylbenzene) microgel particles (PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs) to obtain new NIR fluorescent probes that are cytocompatible and swell strongly. NIR ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) intensity analysis enables reporting of pH-triggered PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MG particle swelling ratios over a very wide range (from 1-90). The dispersions have greatly improved colloidal stability compared to a reference temperature-responsive NIR MG based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNP-5/5.5). We also show that the wavelength of maximum PL intensity (λ max) is a second PL parameter that enables remote reporting of swelling for both PEA-MAA-5/5.5 and PNP-5/5.5 MGs. After internalization the PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs are successfully imaged in stem cells using NIR light. They are also imaged after subcutaneous injection into model tissue using NIR light. The new NIR PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs have excellent potential for reporting their swelling states (and any changes) within physiological settings as well as very high ionic strength environments (e.g., waste water).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingning Zhu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Qing Lian
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Shanglin Wu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Wenkai Wang
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - L Andrew Lyon
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University Orange CA 92866 USA
- Fowler School of Engineering, Chapman University Orange CA 92866 USA
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Paulo Bártolo
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Mark Dickinson
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Brian R Saunders
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
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14
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Caldwell AS, Aguado BA, Anseth KS. Designing Microgels for Cell Culture and Controlled Assembly of Tissue Microenvironments. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1907670. [PMID: 33841061 PMCID: PMC8026140 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201907670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Micron-sized hydrogels, termed microgels, are emerging as multifunctional platforms that can recapitulate tissue heterogeneity in engineered cell microenvironments. The microgels can function as either individual cell culture units or can be assembled into larger scaffolds. In this manner, individual microgels can be customized for single or multi-cell co-culture applications, or heterogeneous populations can be used as building blocks to create microporous assembled scaffolds that more closely mimic tissue heterogeneities. The inherent versatility of these materials allows user-defined control of the microenvironments, from the order of singly encapsulated cells to entire three-dimensional cell scaffolds. These hydrogel scaffolds are promising for moving towards personalized medicine approaches and recapitulating the multifaceted microenvironments that exist in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S. Caldwell
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
| | - Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado – Boulder, USA, 80303
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15
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Lavanya K, Chandran SV, Balagangadharan K, Selvamurugan N. Temperature- and pH-responsive chitosan-based injectable hydrogels for bone tissue engineering. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 111:110862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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16
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Yu C, Gao H, Li Q, Cao X. Injectable dual cross-linked adhesive hyaluronic acid multifunctional hydrogel scaffolds for potential applications in cartilage repair. Polym Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py00371a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A double crosslinked hydrogels was designed and prepared by combining the Diels–Alder click reaction and possessed good mechanical strength, injectability and adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510641
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
| | - Huichang Gao
- School of Medicine
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
| | - Qingtao Li
- School of Medicine
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510006
- P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510641
- P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction
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17
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Varma DM, DiNicolas MS, Nicoll SB. Injectable, redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels promote nucleus pulposus-like extracellular matrix elaboration by human MSCs in a cell density-dependent manner. J Biomater Appl 2019; 33:576-589. [PMID: 30326804 DOI: 10.1177/0885328218805216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain is a major cause for disability and is closely linked to intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanical and biological dysfunction of the nucleus pulposus in the disc has been found to initiate intradiscal degenerative processes. Replacing or enriching the diseased nucleus pulposus with an injectable, stem cell-laden biomaterial that mimics its material properties can provide a minimally invasive strategy for biological and structural repair of the tissue. In this study, injectable, in situ-gelling carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels were developed for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering using encapsulated human marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). With the goal of obtaining robust extracellular matrix deposition and faster construct maturation, two cell-seeding densities, 20 × 106 cells/ml and 40 × 106 cells/ml, were examined. The constructs were fabricated using a redox initiation system to yield covalently crosslinked, cell-seeded hydrogels via radical polymerization. Chondrogenic culture of the hydrogels over 35 days exhibited high cell viability along with deposition of proteoglycan and collagen-rich extracellular matrix, and mechanical and swelling properties similar to native human nucleus pulposus. Further, the matrix production and distribution in the carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels was found to be strongly influenced by hMSC-seeding density, with the lower cell-seeding density yielding a more favorable nucleus pulposus-specific matrix phenotype, while the rate of construct maturation was less dependent on the cell-seeding density. These findings are the first to demonstrate the utility of redox-polymerized carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels as hMSC carriers for potential minimally invasive treatment strategies for nucleus pulposus replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika M Varma
- The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Steven B Nicoll
- The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Young SA, Riahinezhad H, Amsden BG. In situ-forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels for cell delivery. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:5742-5761. [PMID: 31531443 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01398a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels can improve cell delivery in tissue engineering applications by facilitating minimally invasive delivery to irregular defect sites and improving cell retention and survival. Tissues targeted for cell delivery often undergo diverse mechanical loading including high stress, high strain, and repetitive loading conditions. This review focuses on the development of hydrogel systems that meet the requirements of mechanical resiliency, cytocompatibility, and injectability for such applications. First, we describe the most important design considerations for maintaining the viability and function of encapsulated cells, for reproducing the target tissue morphology, and for achieving degradation profiles that facilitate tissue replacement. Models describing the relationships between hydrogel structure and mechanical properties are described, focusing on design principles necessary for producing mechanically resilient hydrogels. The advantages and limitations of current strategies for preparing cytocompatible, injectable, and mechanically resilient hydrogels are reviewed, including double networks, nanocomposites, and high molecular weight amphiphilic copolymer networks. Finally, challenges and opportunities are outlined to guide future research in this developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Young
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Hossein Riahinezhad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Brian G Amsden
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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19
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Shanks HR, Milani AH, Lu D, Saunders BR, Carney L, Adlam DJ, Hoyland JA, Blount C, Dickinson M. Core-Shell-Shell Nanoparticles for NIR Fluorescence Imaging and NRET Swelling Reporting of Injectable or Implantable Gels. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:2694-2702. [PMID: 31185170 PMCID: PMC7007186 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Injectable gels that support load are desirable for restoring the mechanical properties of degenerated load-bearing tissue. As these gels become increasingly sophisticated, the need to remotely image them and monitor their swelling increases. However, imaging such gels and monitoring their swelling using noninvasive means is challenging. Here, we use a very low concentration of near-infrared (NIR) core-shell-shell (CSS) reporter nanoparticles to both image and monitor swelling changes of two load-supporting gels. The load-supporting injectable gel consisted of covalently interlinked pH-responsive microgel (MG) particles. The latter gel was not cytotoxic and is termed a doubly cross-linked microgel (DX MG). Inclusion of a complementary fluorescent dye enabled ratiometric monitoring of gel swelling changes in response to pH via nonradiative resonance energy transfer (NRET). In addition, changes in the CSS nanoparticle emission intensity provided a NIR-only method that could also be used to monitor gel swelling. The gel was able to be imaged using NIR light, after being subcutaneously injected into a tissue model. To demonstrate versatility of our approach, CSS and the dye were included within a model implantable gel (poly(acrylamide/acrylic acid)) and fluorescent detection of swelling investigated. Because the concentrations of the reporting species were too low to affect the mechanical properties, our approach to remote gel imaging and swelling monitoring has good potential for application in injectable gels and implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Shanks
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Amir H. Milani
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Dongdong Lu
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Brian R. Saunders
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Louise Carney
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Daman J. Adlam
- Division
of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, U.K.
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- Division
of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, U.K.
- NIHR
Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation
Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science
Centre, Manchester, M20 2LR, U.K.
| | - Christopher Blount
- Photon
Science Institute, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
- School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of
Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Mark Dickinson
- Photon
Science Institute, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
- School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of
Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
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20
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Karg M, Pich A, Hellweg T, Hoare T, Lyon LA, Crassous JJ, Suzuki D, Gumerov RA, Schneider S, Potemkin II, Richtering W. Nanogels and Microgels: From Model Colloids to Applications, Recent Developments, and Future Trends. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:6231-6255. [PMID: 30998365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b04304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanogels and microgels are soft, deformable, and penetrable objects with an internal gel-like structure that is swollen by the dispersing solvent. Their softness and the potential to respond to external stimuli like temperature, pressure, pH, ionic strength, and different analytes make them interesting as soft model systems in fundamental research as well as for a broad range of applications, in particular in the field of biological applications. Recent tremendous developments in their synthesis open access to systems with complex architectures and compositions allowing for tailoring microgels with specific properties. At the same time state-of-the-art theoretical and simulation approaches offer deeper understanding of the behavior and structure of nano- and microgels under external influences and confinement at interfaces or at high volume fractions. Developments in the experimental analysis of nano- and microgels have become particularly important for structural investigations covering a broad range of length scales relevant to the internal structure, the overall size and shape, and interparticle interactions in concentrated samples. Here we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art, recent developments as well as emerging trends in the field of nano- and microgels. The following aspects build the focus of our discussion: tailoring (multi)functionality through synthesis; the role in biological and biomedical applications; the structure and properties as a model system, e.g., for densely packed arrangements in bulk and at interfaces; as well as the theory and computer simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Karg
- Physical Chemistry I , Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf , 40204 Duesseldorf , Germany
| | - Andrij Pich
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Functional and Interactive Polymers, Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Thomas Hellweg
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry , Bielefeld University , 33615 Bielefeld , Germany
| | - Todd Hoare
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McMaster University , Hamilton , Ontario L8S 4L8 , Canada
| | - L Andrew Lyon
- Schmid College of Science and Technology , Chapman University , Orange , California 92866 , United States
| | - J J Crassous
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | | | - Rustam A Gumerov
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Physics Department , Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991 , Russian Federation
| | - Stefanie Schneider
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
| | - Igor I Potemkin
- DWI-Leibnitz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V. , 52056 Aachen , Germany
- Physics Department , Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119991 , Russian Federation
- National Research South Ural State University , Chelyabinsk 454080 , Russian Federation
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry , RWTH Aachen University , 52056 Aachen , Germany
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21
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Nguyen NT, Milani AH, Jennings J, Adlam DJ, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA, Saunders BR. Highly compressive and stretchable poly(ethylene glycol) based hydrogels synthesised using pH-responsive nanogels without free-radical chemistry. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:7921-7930. [PMID: 30964497 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01535c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels are amongst the most studied synthetic hydrogels. However, reports on PEG-based hydrogels with high mechanical strength are limited. Herein, a class of novel, well-defined PEG-based nanocomposite hydrogels with tunable mechanical strength are synthesised via ring-opening reactions of diglycidyl ethers with carboxylate ions. The pH responsive crosslinked polyacid nanogels (NG) in the dispersed phase act as high functionality crosslinkers which covalently bond to the poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ethers (PEGDGE) as the continuous matrix. A series of NG-x-PEG-y-z gels are prepared where x, y and z are concentrations of NGs, PEGDGE and the PEGDGE molecular weight, respectively. The hydrogel compositions and nano-structural homogeneity of the NGs have strong impact on the enhancement of mechanical properties which enables property tuning. Based on this design, a highly compressive PEG-based nanocomposite hydrogel (NG-13-PEG-20-6000) exhibits a compressive stress of 24.2 MPa, compressive fracture strain greater than 98% and a fracture energy density as high as 1.88 MJ m-3. The tensile fracture strain is 230%. This is amongst one of the most compressive PEG-based hydrogels reported to-date. Our chemically crosslinked gels are resilient and show highly recoverable dissipative energy. The cytotoxicity test shows that human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells remained viable after 8 days of culture time. The overall results highlight their potential for applications as replacements for intervertebral discs or articular cartilages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam T Nguyen
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Amir H Milani
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - James Jennings
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Daman J Adlam
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anthony J Freemont
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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22
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Newsom JP, Payne KA, Krebs MD. Microgels: Modular, tunable constructs for tissue regeneration. Acta Biomater 2019; 88:32-41. [PMID: 30769137 PMCID: PMC6441611 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymer microgels are emerging as a versatile tool for aiding in the regeneration of damaged tissues due to their biocompatible nature, tunable microporous structure, ability to encapsulate bioactive factors, and tailorable properties such as stiffness and composition. These properties of microgels, along with their injectability, have allowed for their utilization in a multitude of different tissue engineering applications. Controlled release of growth factors, antibodies, and other bioactive factors from microgels have demonstrated their capabilities as transporters for essential bioactive molecules necessary for guiding tissue reconstruction. Additionally, recent in vitro studies of cellular interaction and proliferation within microgel structures have laid the initial groundwork for regenerative tissue engineering using these materials. Microgels have even been crosslinked together in various ways or 3D printed to form three-dimensional scaffolds to support cell growth. In vivo studies of microgels have pioneered the clinical relevance of these novel and innovative materials for regenerative tissue engineering. This review will cover recent developments and research of microgels as they pertain to bioactive factor release, cellular interaction and proliferation in vitro, and tissue regeneration in vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review is focused on state-of-the-art microgel technology and innovations within the tissue engineering field, focusing on the use of microgels in bioactive factor delivery and as cell-interactive scaffolds, both in vitro and in vivo. Microgels are hydrogel microparticles that can be tuned based on the biopolymer from which they are derived, the crosslinking chemistry used, and the fabrication method. The emergence of microgels for tissue regeneration applications in recent years illuminates their versatility and applicability in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake P Newsom
- Chemical & Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Karin A Payne
- Orthopedics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Melissa D Krebs
- Chemical & Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States.
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23
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Lu D, Zhu M, Wang W, Wu S, Saunders BR, Adlam DJ, Hoyland JA, Hofzumahaus C, Schneider S, Landfester K. Do the properties of gels constructed by interlinking triply-responsive microgels follow from those of the building blocks? SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:527-536. [PMID: 30444236 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01510d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microgels (MGs) are swellable crosslinked polymer colloids. They can also be used as the only building block to construct nanostructured hydrogels which are denoted as doubly crosslinked microgels (DX MGs). Here, new triply responsive DX MGs comprised of interlinked MGs of oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate (OEGMA), 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA), methacrylic acid (MAA) and a o-nitrobenzyl-based UV photocleavable crosslinker are investigated. The MGs swelled or collapsed in response to temperature and pH changes. These behaviours were rationalised with a generic model using Monte Carlo simulations. The MGs also degraded when UV irradiated due to photocleavage of nPh. DX MGs were assembled from the MGs to give injectable gels that were not cytotoxic to nucleus pulposus cells. Comparison of the responsive properties of the DX MGs and MGs showed that the temperature and pH responses of the former were mostly governed by the latter. However, two key differences were found. Firstly, whilst increasing the crosslinker mol% in the MG building blocks (x) did not change MG particle swelling, the compression modulus (E) and swelling of the DX MG gels were strongly affected by x. The E value for the gels was tuneable using x which is a potentially useful new observation for DX MGs. Secondly, UV irradiation of the DX MGs enhanced gel mechanical photostability in contrast to the behaviour of the MGs. We find that the properties of the DX MGs do not simply follow those of the parent MGs and propose mechanisms to account for the differences. The new family of multi-responsive DX MGs presented in this study have potential application for soft tissue repair as injectable gels or as gel implants which report sterilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Lu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Mingning Zhu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Wenkai Wang
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Shanglin Wu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Daman J Adlam
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK and NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Cornelius Hofzumahaus
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schneider
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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24
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Bai X, Gao M, Syed S, Zhuang J, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Bioactive hydrogels for bone regeneration. Bioact Mater 2018; 3:401-417. [PMID: 30003179 PMCID: PMC6038268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone self-healing is limited and generally requires external intervention to augment bone repair and regeneration. While traditional methods for repairing bone defects such as autografts, allografts, and xenografts have been widely used, they all have corresponding disadvantages, thus limiting their clinical use. Despite the development of a variety of biomaterials, including metal implants, calcium phosphate cements (CPC), hydroxyapatite, etc., the desired therapeutic effect is not fully achieved. Currently, polymeric scaffolds, particularly hydrogels, are of interest and their unique configurations and tunable physicochemical properties have been extensively studied. This review will focus on the applications of various cutting-edge bioactive hydrogels systems in bone regeneration, as well as their advantages and limitations. We will examine the composition and defects of the bone, discuss the current biomaterials for bone regeneration, and classify recently developed polymeric materials for hydrogel synthesis. We will also elaborate on the properties of desirable hydrogels as well as the fabrication techniques and different delivery strategies. Finally, the existing challenges, considerations, and the future prospective of hydrogels in bone regeneration will be outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhu Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Sahla Syed
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Jerry Zhuang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
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25
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Wu S, Zhu M, Lian Q, Lu D, Spencer B, Adlam DJ, Hoyland JA, Volk K, Karg M, Saunders BR. Plasmonic and colloidal stability behaviours of Au-acrylic core-shell nanoparticles with thin pH-responsive shells. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:18565-18575. [PMID: 30259044 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr07440b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au nanoparticles (NPs) as well as its interaction with nearby entities provides a wealth of fundamental and practical information at the nanometre scale. A number of studies have investigated core-shell NPs with Au cores and polymer shells that are temperature-responsive. However, there are very few studies of pH-responsive Au-polymer NP shells. Precipitation polymerisation is a scalable method and here we establish such a method to synthesise pH-responsive Au-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer core-shell NPs without the need for pre-functionalisation. The comonomers used were methacrylic acid (MAA) or 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA) and the shells were crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. A series of five core-shell systems with collapsed shell thicknesses less than 30 nm are studied. The shell-thicknesses for the CEA-based core-shell NPs are relatively thin (≤5 nm) compared to related Au-polymer core-shell NPs prepared using precipitation polymerisation. The LSPR properties of the core-shell NPs were dependent on the shell thickness and were successfully simulated using finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations. Two systems are considered further as exemplars. The MAA-based core-shell system with the thickest shell exhibited enhanced colloidal stability to added electrolyte. The CEA-based core-shell dispersion with the thinnest shells displayed reversible pH-triggered aggregation and was cytocompatible for HeLa cells. Proof-of-concept data are presented that demonstrate intracellular pH reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglin Wu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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26
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Agrawal G, Agrawal R. Functional Microgels: Recent Advances in Their Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1801724. [PMID: 30035853 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201801724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Here, a spotlight is shown on aqueous microgel particles which exhibit a great potential for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cell imaging, and tissue engineering. Herein, different synthetic methods to develop microgels with desirable functionality and properties along with degradable strategies to ensure their renal clearance are briefly presented. A special focus is given on the ability of microgels to respond to various stimuli such as temperature, pH, redox potential, magnetic field, light, etc., which helps not only to adjust their physical and chemical properties, and degradability on demand, but also the release of encapsulated bioactive molecules and thus making them suitable for drug delivery. Furthermore, recent developments in using the functional microgels for cell imaging and tissue regeneration are reviewed. The results reviewed here encourage the development of a new class of microgels which are able to intelligently perform in a complex biological environment. Finally, various challenges and possibilities are discussed in order to achieve their successful clinical use in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Agrawal
- Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus, Paper Mill Road, Saharanpur, 247001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Agrawal
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1500, USA
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27
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Antoniuk I, Kaczmarek D, Kardos A, Varga I, Amiel C. Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on pNIPAm Microgels Connected via Host⁻Guest Interactions. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E566. [PMID: 30966600 PMCID: PMC6403914 DOI: 10.3390/polym10060566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, host⁻guest supramolecular hydrogels were prepared from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) microgels utilizing electrostatic and host/guest self-assembly. First, pNIPAm microgels bearing a poly(acrylic acid) (pAAc) shell were coated with positively charged β-cyclodextrin polymers. Addition of adamantane-substituted dextrans (Dex-Ada) allowed us to establish interparticle connections through β-cyclodextrin-adamantane (βCD-Ada) inclusion complex formation, and thus to prepare hierarchical hydrogels. Under the conditions of hydrogel formation, close contact between the microgels was ensured. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of doubly crosslinked microgels prepared by noncovalent crosslinking via host⁻guest interactions. The prepared macrogels were studied with rheology, and fast mechanical response to temperature variation was found. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibit fully reversible temperature-induced gel⁻sol transition at the physiological temperature range (37⁻41 °C), due to the synergetic effect between shrinking of the microgels and dissociation of βCD-Ada crosslinks at higher temperatures. This opens up attractive prospects of their potential use in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iurii Antoniuk
- University Paris Est, ICMPE (UMR 7182), CNRS, UPEC, F-94320 Thiais, France.
| | - Daria Kaczmarek
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány s. 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Attila Kardos
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány s. 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Chemistry, University J. Selyeho, 945 01 Komárno, Slovakia.
| | - Imre Varga
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány s. 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Chemistry, University J. Selyeho, 945 01 Komárno, Slovakia.
| | - Catherine Amiel
- University Paris Est, ICMPE (UMR 7182), CNRS, UPEC, F-94320 Thiais, France.
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28
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Wang W, Lu D, Zhu M, Saunders JM, Milani AH, Armes SP, Saunders BR. Highly deformable hydrogels constructed by pH-triggered polyacid nanoparticle disassembly in aqueous dispersions. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:3510-3520. [PMID: 29671461 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00325d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Most hydrogels are prepared using small-molecule monomers but unfortunately this approach may not be feasible for certain biomaterial applications. Consequently, alternative gel construction strategies have been established, which include using covalent inter-linking of preformed gel particles, or microgels (MGs). For example, covalently interlinking pH-responsive MGs can produce hydrogels comprising doubly crosslinked microgels (DX MGs). We hypothesised that the deformability of such DX MGs was limited by the presence of intra-MG crosslinking. Thus, in this study we designed new nanoparticle (NP)-based gels based on pH-swellable NPs that are not internally crosslinked. Two polyacid NPs were synthesised containing methacrylic acid (MAA) and either ethyl acrylate (EA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA). The PMAA-EA and PMAA-MMA NPs were subsequently vinyl-functionalised using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) prior to gel formation via free-radical crosslinking. The NPs mostly disassembled on raising the solution pH but some self-crosslinking was nevertheless evident. The gels constructed from the EA- and MMA-based NPs had greater breaking strains than a control DX MG. The effect of varying the solution pH during curing on the morphology and mechanical properties of gels prepared using PMAA-MMA-GMA NPs was studied and both remarkable deformability and excellent recovery were observed. The gels were strongly pH-responsive and had tensile breaking strains of up to 420% with a compressive strain-at-break of more than 93%. An optimised formulation produced the most deformable and stretchable gel yet constructed using NPs or MGs as the only building block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Wang
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Dongdong Lu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Mingning Zhu
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Jennifer M Saunders
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Amir H Milani
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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29
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Teng L, Chen Y, Jin M, Jia Y, Wang Y, Ren L. Weak Hydrogen Bonds Lead to Self-Healable and Bioadhesive Hybrid Polymeric Hydrogels with Mineralization-Active Functions. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:1939-1949. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Teng
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Jin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongguang Jia
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingjun Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
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30
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Zhu M, Lu D, Wu S, Lian Q, Wang W, Milani AH, Cui Z, Nguyen NT, Chen M, Lyon LA, Adlam DJ, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA, Saunders BR. Responsive Nanogel Probe for Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensing of pH and Strain in Hydrogels. ACS Macro Lett 2017; 6:1245-1250. [PMID: 35650778 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study a new pH-responsive nanogel probe containing a complementary nonradiative resonance energy transfer (NRET) fluorophore pair is investigated and its ability to act as a versatile probe of network-related changes in three hydrogels demonstrated. Fluorescent sensing using NRET is a powerful method for studying relationships between Angstrom length-scale structure and macroscopic properties of soft matter. Unfortunately, inclusion of NRET fluorophores into such materials requires material-specific chemistry. Here, low concentrations of preformed nanogel probes were included into hydrogel hosts. Ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) data for the gels labeled with the nanogel probes enabled pH-triggered swelling and deswelling to be studied as well as Ca2+-triggered collapse and solute release. PL measurements during compression of a nanogel probe-labeled nanocomposite gel demonstrated mechanochromic behavior and strain sensing. The new nanogel probes have excellent potential for investigating the internal structures of gels and provide a versatile ratiometric fluorescent platform for studying pH and strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingning Zhu
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Dongdong Lu
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Shanglin Wu
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Qing Lian
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Wenkai Wang
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Amir H. Milani
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Zhengxing Cui
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Nam T. Nguyen
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Mu Chen
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - L. Andrew Lyon
- Schmid
College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Daman J. Adlam
- Division
of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Anthony J. Freemont
- Division
of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- NIHR
Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester
Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, U.K
| | - Judith A. Hoyland
- Division
of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- NIHR
Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester
Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, U.K
| | - Brian R. Saunders
- School
of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
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Pérez-San Vicente A, Peroglio M, Ernst M, Casuso P, Loinaz I, Grande HJ, Alini M, Eglin D, Dupin D. Self-Healing Dynamic Hydrogel as Injectable Shock-Absorbing Artificial Nucleus Pulposus. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:2360-2370. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Pérez-San Vicente
- Materials
Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre, Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Marianna Peroglio
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Ernst
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Casuso
- Materials
Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre, Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- Materials
Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre, Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Hans-Jürgen Grande
- Materials
Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre, Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - David Eglin
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland
| | - Damien Dupin
- Materials
Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre, Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20014, Spain
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32
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Novel hydroxyethyl chitosan/cellulose scaffolds with bubble-like porous structure for bone tissue engineering. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 167:44-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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33
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Wang H, Qian J, Zhang Y, Xu W, Xiao J, Suo A. Growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents in a hydroxyethyl chitosan/glycidyl methacrylate hydrogel. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:55. [PMID: 28515673 PMCID: PMC5434523 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer negatively affects women’s health worldwide. The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour initiation, proliferation, and metastasis. Cancer cells are traditionally grown in two-dimensional (2D) cultures as monolayers on a flat solid surface lacking cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. These experimental conditions deviate from the clinical situation. Improved experimental systems that can mimic the in vivo situation are required to discover new therapies, particularly for anti-angiogenic agents that mainly target intercellular factors and play an essential role in treating some cancers. Methods Chitosan can be modified to construct three-dimensional (3D) tumour models. Here, we report an in vitro 3D tumour model using a hydroxyethyl chitosan/glycidyl methacrylate (HECS–GMA) hydrogel produced by a series of chitosan modifications. Parameters relating to cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and migration were analysed using breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In a xenograft model, secretion of angiogenesis-related growth factors and the anti-angiogenic efficacy of Endostar and Bevacizumab in cells grown in HECS–GMA hydrogels were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Hydroxyethyl chitosan/glycidyl methacrylate hydrogels had a highly porous microstructure, mechanical properties, swelling ratio, and morphology consistent with a 3D tumour model. Compared with a 2D monolayer culture, breast cancer MCF-7 cells residing in the HECS–GMA hydrogels grew as tumour-like clusters in a 3D formation. In a xenograft model, MCF-7 cells cultured in the HECS–GMA hydrogels had increased secretion of angiogenesis-related growth factors. Recombinant human endostatin (Endostar), but not Bevacizumab (Avastin), was an effective anti-angiogenic agent in HECS–GMA hydrogels. Conclusions The HECS–GMA hydrogel provided a 3D tumour model that mimicked the in vivo cancer microenvironment and supported the growth of MCF7 cells better than traditional tissue culture plates. The HECS–GMA hydrogel may offer an improved platform to minimize the gap between traditional tissue culture plates and clinical applicability. In addition, the anti-angiogenic efficacy of drugs such as Endostar and Bevacizumab can be more comprehensively studied and assessed in HECS–GMA hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejing Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Junmin Qian
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviours of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049 China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviours of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049 China
| | - Weijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviours of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049 China
| | - Juxiang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Aili Suo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shanxi People's Republic of China
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34
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Microgels from microfluidic templating and photoinduced crosslinking of cinnamylidene acetic acid modified precursors. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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35
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Milani AH, Saunders JM, Nguyen NT, Ratcliffe LPD, Adlam DJ, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA, Armes SP, Saunders BR. Synthesis of polyacid nanogels: pH-responsive sub-100 nm particles for functionalisation and fluorescent hydrogel assembly. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:1554-1560. [PMID: 28120992 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02713j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanogels are crosslinked polymer particles with a swollen size between 1 and 100 nm. They are of major interest for advanced surface coatings, drug delivery, diagnostics and biomaterials. Synthesising polyacid nanogels that show triggered swelling using a scalable approach is a key objective of polymer colloid chemistry. Inspired by the ability of polar surfaces to enhance nanoparticle stabilisation, we report the first examples of pH-responsive polyacid nanogels containing high -COOH contents prepared by a simple, scalable, aqueous method. To demonstrate their functionalisation potential, glycidyl methacrylate was reacted with the -COOH chemical handles and the nanogels were converted to macro-crosslinkers. The concentrated (functionalised) nanogel dispersions retained their pH-responsiveness, were shear-thinning and formed physical gels at pH 7.4. The nanogels were covalently interlinked via free-radical coupling at 37 °C to form transparent, ductile, hydrogels. Mixing of the functionalised nanogels with polymer dots enabled covalent assembly of fluorescent hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Milani
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | | | - Nam T Nguyen
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Liam P D Ratcliffe
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Daman J Adlam
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Anthony J Freemont
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Judith A Hoyland
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK and NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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36
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Schmidt MM, Wu S, Cui Z, Nguyen NT, Faulkner M, Saunders BR. How gold nanoparticles can be used to probe the structural changes of a pH-responsive hydrogel. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:5102-5112. [PMID: 28138660 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp07929f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have UV-visible absorption spectra that are highly sensitive to their local environment due to their surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Furthermore, GNPs are able to quench the fluorescence of suitable dyes depending on the GNP-dye separation. Both of these features have led to the use of GNPs as spectroscopic rulers. In this study we sought to use GNPs as spectroscopic probes to investigate the local structural changes associated with the macroscopic pH-triggered swelling/de-swelling transitions of a pH-responsive hydrogel. The hydrogel used in this study comprised covalently inter-linked pH-responsive poly(ethylacrylate-co-methacrylic acid-co-divinyl benzene) microgel particles (MGs). MGs are crosslinked polymer colloids that swell when the pH approaches the pKa of the constituent polymer. The interlinked MG hydrogels are termed doubly crosslinked microgels (DX MGs) and are a new family of hydrogels. They had polymer volume fractions (ϕp) that strongly decreased as the pH increased. UV-visible spectra showed that the wavelength of the SPR absorption (λmax) for the DX MG/GNP gels was pH-responsive. A linear relationship was found between λmax and ϕp for ϕp values up to ∼0.80. The inclusion of Rhodamine 6G within the DX MG/GNP hydrogels resulted in metal-induced fluorescence quenching which was studied using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The extent of quenching was pH-dependent and was also proportional to ϕp. The results of the study showed that the pH-triggered changes of the nanoscale and macroscopic swelling for the DX MGs were similar and imply that affine swelling occurred, which is a new observation. The data suggest that UV-visible or PL spectroscopy could be used to study the swelling of pH-responsive hydrogels containing GNPs remotely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian M Schmidt
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. and Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, D-52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shanglin Wu
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Zhengxing Cui
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Nam T Nguyen
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Michael Faulkner
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, MSS Tower, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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37
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Wang YL, Lin SP, Nelli SR, Zhan FK, Cheng H, Lai TS, Yeh MY, Lin HC, Hung SC. Self-Assembled Peptide-Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Proliferation and Multi-Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Macromol Biosci 2016; 17. [PMID: 27792283 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201600192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) and Fmoc-arginine-glycine--aspartate (Fmoc-RGD) peptides self-assemble to form a 3D network of supramolecular hydrogel (Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGD), which provides a nanofibrous network that uniquely presents bioactive ligands at the fiber surface for cell attachment. In the present study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGD hydrogel increase in proliferation and survival compared to those in Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGE hydrogel. Moreover, MSCs encapsulated in Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGD hydrogel and induced in each defined induction medium undergo in vitro osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. For in vivo differentiation, MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel are induced in each defined medium for one week, followed by injection into gelatin sponges and transplantation into immunodeficient mice for four weeks. MSCs in Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGD hydrogel increase in differentiation into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation, compared to those in Fmoc-FF/Fmoc-RGE hydrogel. This study concludes that nanofibers formed by the self-assembly of Fmoc-FF and Fmoc-RGD are suitable for the attachment, proliferation, and multi-differentiation of MSCs, and can be applied in musculoskeletal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pei Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Srinivasa Rao Nelli
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Kai Zhan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Hsun Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Sheng Lai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yu Yeh
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, Department of Orthopedics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Hung
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Integrative Stem Cell Center, Department of Orthopedics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research and Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
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38
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Cui Z, Wang W, Obeng M, Chen M, Wu S, Kinloch I, Saunders BR. Using intra-microgel crosslinking to control the mechanical properties of doubly crosslinked microgels. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:6985-94. [PMID: 27476758 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01337f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microgels (MGs) are crosslinked polymer particles that swell when the pH approaches the pKa of the constituent polymer. Our earlier work showed that concentrated MG dispersions can be covalently interlinked to form macroscopic hydrogels, which are termed doubly crosslinked microgels (DX MGs). Here, we study for the first time the effects of intra-MG crosslinking on the swelling of the MGs and the mechanical properties of the DX MGs. The MGs were synthesised by emulsion copolymerisation of ethyl acrylate (EA) or methacrylic acid (MAA) and divinylbenzene (DVB). The latter was a crosslinking monomer. For comparison, MGs were prepared where DVB was replaced by either 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA) or a 1 : 1 mixture of both DVB and BDDA. The MG swelling behaviours were studied by dynamic light scattering; whereas, the DX MG mechanical properties were studied by dynamic rheology and uniaxial compression measurements. Inclusion of DVB within the MGs resulted in both highly swelling MGs and highly ductile DX MGs. The average strain-at-break value for the DVB-containing DX MGs was 76% which represents the highest value yet reported for a DX MG prepared using commercially available monomers. It was also shown that good tuneability of the DX MG properties could be obtained simply by controlling the DVB and BDDA contents within the MG particles. Analysis of the swelling and compression data enabled relationships between the volume-swelling ratio of the MGs and either the modulus or strain-at-break values for the DX MGs. These relationships also applied to a DVB-free system prepared with a low BDDA content. An interesting conclusion from this study is that the DX MGs can be thought of mechanically as macroscopic MG particles. The results of this study provide design tools for improving DX MG ductility and hence increasing the range of potential applications for this new class of hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing Cui
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Wenkai Wang
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Melody Obeng
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Mu Chen
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Shanglin Wu
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Ian Kinloch
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Brian R Saunders
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C. Clarke
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - L. Andrew Lyon
- Schmid
College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
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40
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Cui Z, Zhou M, Greensmith PJ, Wang W, Hoyland JA, Kinloch IA, Freemont T, Saunders BR. A study of conductive hydrogel composites of pH-responsive microgels and carbon nanotubes. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:4142-4153. [PMID: 27067636 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm00223d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Conductive gel composites are attracting considerable attention because of their interesting electrical and mechanical properties. Here, we report conductive gel composites constructed using only colloidal particles as building blocks. The composites were prepared from mixed dispersions of vinyl-functionalised pH-responsive microgel particles (MGs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). MGs are crosslinked pH-responsive polymer colloid particles that swell when the pH approaches the pKa of the particles. Two MG systems were used which contained ethyl acrylate (EA) or methyl acrylate (MA) and around 30 mol% of methacrylic acid (MAA). The MA-based MG is a new pH-responsive system. The mixed MG/CNT dispersions formed thixotropic physical gels. Those gels were transformed into covalent interlinked electrically conducting doubly crosslinked microgel/CNT composites (DX MG/CNT) by free-radical reaction. The MGs provided the dual roles of dispersant for the CNTs and macro-crosslinker for the composite. TEM data showed evidence for strong attraction between the MG and the CNTs which facilitated CNT dispersion. An SEM study confirmed CNT dispersion throughout the composites. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied using dynamic rheology and uniaxial compression measurements. Surprisingly, both the ductility and the modulus of the gel composites increased with increasing CNT concentration used for their preparation. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) exposed to DX MG/CNT maintained over 99% viability with metabolic activity retained over 7 days, which indicated non-cytotoxicity. The results of this study suggest that our approach could be used to prepare other DX MG/CNT gel composites and that these materials may lead to future injectable gels for advanced soft-tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing Cui
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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41
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Xu W, Qian J, Zhang Y, Suo A, Cui N, Wang J, Yao Y, Wang H. A photo-polymerized poly(N ε-acryloyl l-lysine) hydrogel for 3D culture of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:3339-3350. [PMID: 32263269 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00511j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The most common in vitro cell culture platform, standard two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell culture, often fails to mimic the tumor microenvironment, while animal models complicate research on the effect of individual factors on cell behaviors. Both are unsatisfactory in the research of molecular mechanisms of tumor development and progression and the discovery and development of anticancer drugs. In vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell culture can partially simulate in vivo conditions and 3D-cultured cancer cells can recapture many essential features of native tumor tissues. In this study, to mimic the in vivo breast tumor microenvironment, novel reduction-responsive poly(Nε-acryloyl l-lysine) (pLysAAm) hydrogels were synthesized by rapid photo-polymerization of Nε-acryloyl l-lysine and using N,N'-bis(acryloyl)-(l)-cystine as a crosslinker, and their physicochemical properties were characterized systemically. The results showed that the pLysAAm hydrogels were formed within 93 s under UV irradiation and exhibited almost total elastic recovery from compressions as high as 75%. The lyophilized hydrogel samples displayed a highly porous structure with interconnected pores, had an equilibrium swelling ratio of about 20, and were degraded faster in a glutathione-containing solution than in PBS solution. The biological versatility of the pLysAAm hydrogels was demonstrated by both in vitro MCF-7 cell culture and in vivo tumor formation. Compared to cells cultured as 2D monolayers, the 3D-cultured cells presented 3D cell morphology, exhibited better cell viability, expressed higher levels of pro-angiogenic factors, and showed significantly greater migration and invasion abilities. The results from assay of tumorigenicity in nude mice and histologic analysis demonstrated the enhanced tumorigenic and angiogenic capabilities of the MCF-7 cells pre-cultured in pLysAAm hydrogels. These findings suggest that pLysAAm hydrogels may be used to bridge the gap between standard in vitro cell cultures and living tissues, aid breast cancer research, and help researchers to develop novel anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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42
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Xu W, Qian J, Zhang Y, Suo A, Cui N, Wang J, Yao Y, Wang H. A double-network poly(Nɛ-acryloyl L-lysine)/hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a mimic of the breast tumor microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2016; 33:131-41. [PMID: 26805429 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
To mimic the structure of breast tumor microenvironment, novel double-network poly(Nɛ-acryloyl L-lysine)/hyaluronic acid (pLysAAm/HA) hydrogels were fabricated by a two-step photo-polymerization process for in vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. The morphology, mechanical properties, swelling and degradation behaviors of pLysAAm/HA hydrogels were investigated. The growth behavior and function of MCF-7 cells cultured on the hydrogels and standard 2D culture plates were compared. The results showed that pLysAAm/HA hydrogels had a highly porous microstructure with a double network and that their mechanical properties, swelling ratio and degradation rate depended on the degree of methacrylation of HA. The results of in vitro studies revealed that the pLysAAm/HA hydrogels could support MCF-7 cell adhesion, promote cell proliferation, and induce the diversification of cell morphologies and overexpression of VEGF, IL-8 and bFGF. The MCF-7 cells cultured on 3D hydrogels showed significantly increased migration and invasion abilities as compared to 2D-cultured cells. Preliminary in vivo results confirmed that the 3D culture of MCF-7 cells resulted in greater tumorigenesis than their 2D culture. These results indicate that the pLysAAm/HA hydrogels can provide a 3D microenvironment for MCF-7 cells that is more representative of the in vivo breast cancer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Traditional 2D cell cultures cannot ideally represent their in vivo physiological conditions. In this work, we reported a method for preparing double-network poly(Nɛ-acryloyl L-lysine)/hyaluronic acid hydrogel, and demonstrated its suitability for use in mimicing breast tumor microenvironment. Results showed the prepared hydrogels had controllable mechanical properties, swelling ratio and degradation rate. The MCF-7 cells cultured in hydrogels expressed much higher levels of pro-angiogenic growth factors and displayed significantly enhanced migration and invasion abilities. The tumorigenic capability of MCF-7 cells pre-cultured in 3D hydrogels was enhanced significantly. Therefore, the novel hydrogel may provide a more physiologically relevant 3D in vitro model for breast cancer research. To our knowledge, this is the first report assessing a HA-based double-network hydrogel used as a tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Junmin Qian
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Yaping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Aili Suo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Ning Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jinlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Hejing Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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43
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Ye D, Liang W, Dai L, Zhou L, Yao Y, Zhong X, Chen H, Xu J. Comparative and quantitative proteomic analysis of normal and degenerated human annulus fibrosus cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 42:530-6. [PMID: 25739836 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a major chronic medical condition associated with back pain. To better understand the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, we performed comparative and quantitative proteomic analyses of normal and degenerated human annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and identified proteins that are differentially expressed between them. Annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and cultured from patients with lumbar disc herniation (the experimental group, degenerated AF cells) and scoliosis patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery (the control group, normal AF cells). Comparative proteomic analyses of normal and degenerated cultured AF cells were carried out using 2-D electrophoresis, mass spectrometric analyses, and database searching. Quantitative analyses of silver-stained 2-D electrophoresis gels of normal and degenerated cultured AF cells identified 10 protein spots that showed the most altered differential expression levels between the two groups. Among these, three proteins were decreased, including heat shock cognate 71-kDa protein, glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase, and protocadherin-23, whereas seven proteins were increased, including guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(i) subunit α-2, superoxide dismutase, transmembrane protein 51, adenosine receptor A3, 26S protease regulatory subunit 8, lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein, and fatty acyl-crotonic acid reductase 1. These differentially expressed proteins might be involved in the pathophysiological process of IVD degeneration and have potential values as biomarkers of the degeneration of IVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Ye
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou, China
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44
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Absil R, Çakir S, Gabriele S, Dubois P, Barner-Kowollik C, Du Prez F, Mespouille L. Click reactive microgels as a strategy towards chemically injectable hydrogels. Polym Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6py01663d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Doubly crosslinked microgels (DX microgels) are hydrogels constructed by covalently interlinked microgel particles, offering two levels of hierarchy within the network, the first one being the microgel and the second being the interlinked microgel network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Absil
- Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM)
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP)
- Health and Materials Research Institutes
- University of Mons (UMons)
- 7000 Mons
| | - Seda Çakir
- Polymer Chemistry Research Group
- Ghent University
- B-9000 Ghent
- Belgium
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- Laboratoire Interfaces & Fluides complexes
- CIRMAP
- Research Institute for Biosciences
- University of Mons
- 7000 Mons
| | - Philippe Dubois
- Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM)
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP)
- Health and Materials Research Institutes
- University of Mons (UMons)
- 7000 Mons
| | - Christopher Barner-Kowollik
- Preparative Macromolecular Chemistry
- Institut für Technische Chemie und Polymerchemie
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- 76128 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Filip Du Prez
- Polymer Chemistry Research Group
- Ghent University
- B-9000 Ghent
- Belgium
| | - Laetitia Mespouille
- Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials (LPCM)
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP)
- Health and Materials Research Institutes
- University of Mons (UMons)
- 7000 Mons
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45
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Development of crosslinked methylcellulose hydrogels for soft tissue augmentation using an ammonium persulfate-ascorbic acid redox system. Carbohydr Polym 2015; 134:497-507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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46
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Casuso P, Odriozola I, Pérez-San Vicente A, Loinaz I, Cabañero G, Grande HJ, Dupin D. Injectable and Self-Healing Dynamic Hydrogels Based on Metal(I)-Thiolate/Disulfide Exchange as Biomaterials with Tunable Mechanical Properties. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:3552-61. [PMID: 26418440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous strategies involving dynamic covalent bonds to produce self-healing hydrogels with similar frequency-dependent stiffness to native tissues, it remains challenging to use biologically relevant thiol/disulfide exchange to confer such properties to polymeric networks. Herein, we report a new method based on Metal(I) [Au(I) or Ag(I)] capping to protect thiolates from aerial oxidation without preventing thiolate/disulfide exchange. Dynamic hydrogels were readily prepared by injecting simultaneously aqueous solutions of commercially available HAuCl4 and 4-arm thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol [(PEGSH)4], resulting in a network containing a mixture of Au(I)-thiolate (Au-S) and disulfide bonds (SS). While the dynamic properties of the hydrogel were closely dependent on the pH, the mechanical properties could be easily tuned by adjusting (PEGSH)4 concentration and amount of Au-S, as judged by dynamic rheology studies. Permanent Au-S/SS exchange at physiological pH conferred self-healing behavior and frequency-dependent stiffness to the hydrogel. In addition, in vitro studies confirmed that Au-based dynamic material was not cytotoxic to human dermal fibroblasts, demonstrating its potential use as a medical device. Dynamic hydrogels obtained using Ag(I) ions demonstrated that the exchange reaction was not affected by the nature of the Metal(I) capping. Finally, this efficient thiolate capping strategy offers a simple way to produce injectable and self-healing dynamic hydrogels from virtually any thiol-containing polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Casuso
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Ibon Odriozola
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Adrián Pérez-San Vicente
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Germán Cabañero
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Hans-Jürgen Grande
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
| | - Damien Dupin
- Materials Division, IK4-CIDETEC Research Centre , Paseo Miramón 196, Donostia-San Sebastián 20009, Spain
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47
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Milani AH, Bramhill J, Freemont AJ, Saunders BR. Swelling and mechanical properties of hydrogels composed of binary blends of inter-linked pH-responsive microgel particles. SOFT MATTER 2015; 11:2586-2595. [PMID: 25683792 DOI: 10.1039/c4sm02432j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We show that a new type of hydrogel can be prepared by covalently inter-linking binary blends of microgel (MG) particles and that the swelling ratio and modulus of the gels can be predicted from their composition. In previous work we established that physical gels of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalised poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid-co-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) microgel particles (GMA-MG) could be covalently inter-linked to give hydrogels, termed doubly crosslinked microgels, DX MGs. We build on this concept here by investigating the properties of DX MGs containing binary blends of GMA-MG particles and glycidyl oligo(ether ester) acrylate-functionalised microgel particles (GOE-MG). These new hydrogels were assembled by inter-linking nanoscale MG building blocks in the absence of small molecule monomers or crosslinkers. The volume fraction of GMA-MG particles used to prepare the GOE-GMA DX MGs was systematically varied. Rheology data showed that inclusion of GMA-MG and GOE-MG within the GOE-GMA DX MGs increased the modulus and yield strain, respectively, compared to the values measured for the respective physical gels. The data for the covalent GOE-GMA DX MG gels showed that the ductility increased with increasing GOE-MG content. GOE provided covalent inter-linking of the MG particles and also acted as a lubricant between particles due to its low Tg. By demonstrating compositionally determined swelling and mechanical properties for DX MG gels prepared using binary blends of MG particles, this study introduces a new, widely applicable, hydrogel construction assembly concept that is not available for conventional hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Milani
- Polymer, Science Research Group, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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48
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He C, Cheng C, Ji HF, Shi ZQ, Ma L, Zhou M, Zhao CS. Robust, highly elastic and bioactive heparin-mimetic hydrogels. Polym Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5py01377a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We construct robust, highly elastic, and bioactive graphene oxide doped heparin-mimetic hydrogels for use in drug delivery and other potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao He
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Chong Cheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Hai-Feng Ji
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Zhen-Qiang Shi
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Lang Ma
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Mi Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Chang-Sheng Zhao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
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49
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Wang W, Milani AH, Carney L, Yan J, Cui Z, Thaiboonrod S, Saunders BR. Doubly crosslinked microgel-colloidosomes: a versatile method for pH-responsive capsule assembly using microgels as macro-crosslinkers. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:3854-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc10169c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Covalent inter-linking of vinyl-functionalised microgels adsorbed to oil droplets gives pH-responsive doubly crosslinked microgel colloidosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Wang
- School of Materials
- The Unversity of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | | | - Louise Carney
- School of Materials
- The Unversity of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Junfeng Yan
- School of Materials
- The Unversity of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Zhengxing Cui
- School of Materials
- The Unversity of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
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50
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Injectable carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels for soft tissue filler applications. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:4996-5004. [PMID: 25152355 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Disease, trauma and aging all lead to deficits in soft tissue. As a result, there is a need to develop materials that safely and effectively restore areas of deficiency. While autogenous fat is the current gold standard, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are commonly used. However, the animal and bacterial origin of HA-based materials can induce adverse reactions in patients. With the aim of developing a safer and more affordable alternative, this study characterized the properties of a plant-derived, injectable carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) soft tissue filler. Specifically, methacrylated CMC was synthesized and crosslinked to form stable hydrogels at varying macromer concentrations (2-4% w/v) using an ammonium persulfate and ascorbic acid redox initiation system. The equilibrium Young's modulus was shown to vary with macromer concentration (ranging from ∼2 to 9.25kPa), comparable to values of native soft tissue and current surgical fillers. The swelling properties were similarly affected by macromer concentration, with 4% gels exhibiting the lowest swelling ratio and mesh size, and highest crosslinking density. Rheological analysis was performed to determine gelation onset and completion, and was measured to be within the ISO standard for injectable materials. In addition, hydrolytic degradation of these gels was sensitive to macromer concentration, while selective removal using enzymatic treatment was also demonstrated. Moreover, favorable cytocompatibility of the CMC hydrogels was exhibited by co-culture with human dermal fibroblasts. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the tunability of redox-crosslinked CMC hydrogels by varying fabrication parameters, making them a versatile platform for soft tissue filler applications.
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